Women&#39;s shoe cover

ABSTRACT

Three separate models for retaining a women&#39;s shoe cover for high heeled and/or fashion shoe apparel and other footwear of various shapes and sizes within an expanding shoe cover, to protect, cover, encase, and improve shoe apparels longevity from environmental weather conditions is disclosed. All three models are manufactured with an elastic rubber-like material which is pliable for shoe cover elasticity, while utilizing a compliant material allowing for multiple colors and translucence. The three separate models vary, while having a sole, a toe portion, an upper portion with an inside portion, and exterior portions adjoined with the heel portion for one continuous integral unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to covering women's shoe apparel fashionably. By expanding three separate models of shoe covers that protects, covers, as well as improves the shoe apparels longevity from year-round inclement weather conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to an expanding shoe cover that securely covers various shapes and sizes of shoe apparel while stylistically protecting the wearer's feet and footwear.

The most compelling purpose of this invention is to protect the high replacement cost of women's shoe apparel by fashionably covering and tightly encasing women's footwear from environmental and inclement weather, thus increasing the longevity and cleanliness of women's shoe apparel. Due to the high cost of replacing fashion and casual footwear, three separate yet distinctly stylish designs were created because of weather and footwear style variations.

Women throughout the United States and internationally have been literally ignored in regards to their footwear protection, thus creating the basis for this invention. Women purchase 48.8% of all total footwear sold annually within the United States. They therefore represent the largest demographic of footwear sales, and subsequently spend the highest gross amount of money than any other demographic within the footwear industry.

Statistically, over eighty percent of American women own at least one pair of high heeled shoes. The non-business or professional women who own these shoes do so mostly out of necessity as opposed to comfort. However, irregardless of their reason, women purchase this style of footwear because of formal occasions that arise from their everyday lives such as weddings, holiday events, religious, funerals, graduations, or just to look nice when dining out and so on. But when the weather becomes a challenge, be it from rain, sleet or snow, many of the aforementioned occasions cannot be postponed because of uncooperative weather conditions. Therefore, what are women supposed to do to protect their footwear from environmental weather conditions when confronted with this dilemma?

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for functionally covering and tightly encasing the footwear for various shapes, sizes, and seasons is provided. In models one, two and three were all manufactured with an elastic rubber-like material that is pliable for shoe cover elasticity, and utilizing a compliant material that allows for multiple colors and translucence. Although the three separate models vary, they have a sole, a toe portion, an upper portion with an inside portion, and exterior portions adjoined with the heel portion for one continuous integral unit.

The invention of the three separate shoe cover models can functionally secure and safely encase footwear of various shapes and sizes. To where all footwear placed securely within shoe cover models one, two and three shall not slip out of or loosen from all three previously mentioned shoe covers unless specifically taken off by the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 101 illustrates an actual rendering of model one as referenced in claim number 15 of a top frontal view as rendered in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 102 illustrates an opposite side view of the embodiment of model one.

FIG. 103 illustrates a bottom view rendering of the embodiment of model one.

FIG. 201 illustrates an actual rendering of model two as referenced in claim number 22 of a top-side frontal view rendering as shown in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 202 illustrates a side view rendering with high heeled shoe apparel shown within the embodiment of model two.

FIG. 203 illustrates a rear view rendering of the embodiment of model two.

FIG. 301 illustrates an actual rendering of model three as referenced in claim number 30 of a top frontal view as shown in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 302 illustrates a side view rendering with casual shoe apparel shown within the embodiment of model three.

FIG. 303 illustrates a rear view rendering of the embodiment of model three.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

A novel method of three separate, yet distinct models of functionally covering and encasing various shapes and sizes of women's shoe apparel is provided.

Due to the three separate women's shoe cover models which represent an assortment of covering different shapes, styles and sizes of shoe apparel, such as high-heel fashioned footwear, or athletic-tennis shoes, sandals, boots, bare feet and socks encased within the aforementioned footwear, which vary dramatically due to the distinction of the separate models herein. The present invention of models one, two, and three, which provide a tight, snug fit that are safely secured and functional when the footwear is correctly placed within the shoe cover. Moreover, models one, two, and three are manufactured with silicone rubber compound that allows for superior elasticity.

The distinctions of all three models will be compared solely with one another, as there were no known comparisons discovered. Therefore, set forth below are the detailed descriptions, followed by the attachment drawings.

FIG. 101 is a top frontal and side view of one embodiment of the present invention, model one, the summer-warm weather high heeled (only) shoe cover. This design specifically allows for the feet of the wearer to breathe and be left open to air under heat and humidity which are ever-present during hot and warm weather. Moreover, while protecting the most environmentally exposed portion of the high-heel footwear by encasing the front sole and toe portion along with the top and side portions from rain and standing water. Also illustrated is the open area where the expanded strap encircles the back sides and heel portion of the footwear, creating elasticity for many differing lengths of shoe apparel as well as a secure and easily accessible shoe cover in one integral unit. This view also highlights the thinness of the overall measurements previously disclosed.

FIG. 102 is a side view of the shoe cover in FIG. 101. As model one indicates from the simplicity and skill of its design, illustrates that the shoe cover is very fashionable from its sleek and aerodynamic appearance, along with the compliance of the material silicone rubber compound, increases the elasticity of the shoe cover material by affording it to stretch in a horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously by creating an elongated shape thus conforming the shoe cover to the original shape of the inserted footwear. Moreover, the design also has one solitary shape for fitting purposes for the left and right feet of the shoe cover wearer, allowing for easy fitting by having identical shapes known as uni-shaped. This side view further illustrates the natural rise of standard high heeled footwear, to where the back sides and heel portion raise upward as only the front sole and the heel bottom of the footwear ever touch the surface of the ground.

FIG. 103 is a rear 3-D view of the shoe cover in FIG. 101. This is an enlarged design of model one to establish its rear view of the footwear entry-way and the back of the elastic-like strap covering the heel of the shoe cover. This design also illustrates the front sole portion to where four arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachments make contact with the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device. The enlarged model further illustrates the capability to fit extra large or unusual styles of footwear with a shoe cover that can conform with any shape, size or style of footwear manufactured by using the compliant material of silicone rubber compound to tightly encase and protect such front portions of summer or warm weather footwear up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIG. 201 is a top frontal and side view of the one embodiment of the present invention, model two, the winter-cold weather high heeled (only) shoe cover. This design specifically illustrates that the footwear and the feet of the wearer be encased and covered completely (except for open heel portion) to the ankle area, allowing for absolute warmth and dryness of the footwear and feet of the wearer, also for the longevity and inclement weather protection thereby protecting the high replacement cost of shoe apparel. This designs sleek and aerodynamic appearance is very fashionable as indicated from the simplicity and skill of its design, along with its compliant material of silicone rubber compound, that increases the elasticity of the shoe cover material by affording it to stretch in a horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously by creating an elongated shape, thus conforming the shoe cover to the original shape of the inserted footwear. This view also illustrates the side-slide zipper design, which is located at the outside mid-rear portion of the shoe cover.

FIG. 202 is an open side view with high heeled shoe apparel shown within the shoe cover of FIG. 201. This rendering illustrates the designs total encasement of the footwear and the feet of the wearer up to the ankle area. Also illustrated is the perforated protruding open heel portion located at the rear bottom of the design thereby allowing the heel bottom of the footwear to be the only portion of the shoe apparel to touch the surface of the ground. This design also illustrates the sole and exterior side portions at ⅛ inch thickness, the side-slide zipper 3½ inches long, ⅛ thick, and ¼ inch wide, with the perforated hole dimensions varying in different sizes.

FIG. 203 is a rear view of the shoe cover in FIG. 201. The rear view of the design illustrates again the rear perforated open heel portion to keep snow or other environmental debris from entering the footwear and the feet of the wearer. The top rear protruding pull tab was designed to help with gripping the back end of the shoe cover by helping the wearer place the footwear more easily into the shoe cover. This pull tab design is also illustrated in FIG. 202 at the top rear of the rendering. Model two also contains four arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachment evenly spaced ½ inch apart, while protruding 1/16 inch downward to the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device. Furthermore, when comparing FIG. 201, model two, with FIG. 101, model one, they both share many of the same qualities such as their fashionable appearance, the same compliant material, silicone rubber compound, that allows them to stretch in a horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously for an elongated shape thus allowing the shoe covers to conform to the original shape of the shoe apparel. However, when comparing the time of seasons of the year with FIG. 201 and FIG. 101, they are distinctly different designs. To where FIG. 101 is open so the foot and ankle can breathe due to the hot weather and humidity. Where FIG. 201 is enclosed completely to protect the footwear and the feet of the wearer from cold and winter weather conditions. In conclusion, both FIG. 201, model two, and FIG. 101, model one, are both safe and secure when worn correctly and are both fashionable. Finally, both aforementioned models do precisely as the invention claims, they both protect the high replacement cost of women's shoe apparel by fashionably covering and tightly encasing women's high heeled shoe apparel from environmental and inclement weather, thus increasing the longevity and cleanliness of this footwear.

FIG. 301 is a top frontal and side view of one embodiment of the present invention, model three, a women's casual low-heeled or no-heeled shoe apparel for year-round. This design covers and encases varying styles of footwear, from casual low heeled, athletic-tennis shoe, sandals, boots, socks, and bare feet. This present invention shall provide a tight snug fit that are safely secured and functional when the footwear is correctly placed within the shoe cover. Unlike FIG. 101, model one, and FIG. 201, model two, this design does not fit high heeled shoe apparel in any way. However, this design is made with the aforementioned FIG.'s and models same compliant material, silicone rubber compound, that increases the elasticity of the shoe cover material by affording it to stretch in a horizontal and vertical direction simultaneously by creating an elongated shape thus conforming the shoe cover to the original shape of the inserted footwear. Also illustrated is the entrance to the shoe cover, from below the tongue down to the toe area.

FIG. 302 is an open side view with casual low-heeled shoe apparel shown within the shoe cover of FIG. 301. This rendering illustrates the designs total encasement of the footwear and the feet of the wearer below the ankle area. Also illustrated in this rendering of the design, is how low-heeled footwear fits inside the shoe cover as the sole is compliant enough to mold itself around the heel bottom. This design also allows the style of non-metallic slide zipper that is used in FIG. 201, model two. Moreover, the entry way as previously stated in FIG. 301, is located on the top of the shoe cover and runs from behind the toe portion up through the tongue portion. Furthermore, this silicone rubber compound material protects the footwear and the feet of the wearer year-round, as the melting point for hot weather is 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a freezing point for extreme cold weather of over minus 67 degrees Fahrenheit, which speaks for itself in regards to durability and weather protection as this model is also waterproof.

FIG. 303 is a rear view of the shoe cover in FIG. 301. This design also has a pull tab that is located on the top rear portion of the shoe cover, to assist the wearer when the footwear is inserted into the shoe cover. This design is the thickest of all designs to where the sole is ¼ inch thick, with the exterior and side portions at 3/16 inch, with the rear-back heel portion being at 3/16 inch, the slide zipper being 4 inches long, ⅛ inch thick, and ¼ inch wide. This design also contains eight arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachment evenly spaced ½ inch apart, while protruding 1/16 inch downward to the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device. In closing model three of FIG. 301, is a very durable and sturdy year-round shoe cover. This specific design is capable of fitting almost any style of footwear manufactured. Extra large models are also available for wide bodied or gigantic styles of footwear that are presently manufactured. Or a wearer can use a pair of these shoe covers to wear in their socks or bare feet. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method of model one for retaining women's high heeled and/or high fashioned shoe apparel of various shapes and sizes within an expanding shoe cover, beginning with none or a small transformation with the capacity of substantial expansion within the shoe cover itself, comprising of; a front sole, a toe portion, an upper front portion with an instep interior and exterior side portions, with an elastic-like strap adjoining the ankle and heel portions together for one continuous integral unit; having an elastic rubber-like material that is extremely pliable for shoe cover elasticity while utilizing the compliant material, allowing for multiple colors and translucence in warm weather environments.
 16. A method of model one of claim 15, wherein said shoe cover having one solitary shape for fitting purposes for the left and right feet of the wearer's footwear when inserted into shoe cover, therefore, both sides of said shoe cover have identical shapes and are known as uni-shaped.
 17. A method of model one wherein said shoe cover allows for linear slip-on access for footwear inserted into said shoe cover.
 18. A method of model one of claim 15, wherein said compliant material increases the elasticity of said shoe cover, thereby allowing the shoe cover to stretch simultaneously in a horizontal and vertical direction, thus creating an elongated shape and style.
 19. A method of model one of claim 18, wherein said compliant material vastly increases the pliability of said shoe cover, thus allowing the shoe cover to conform to the original shape of inserted footwear.
 20. A method of model one wherein said shoe cover varies in overall thickness with the front sole at ⅛ inch, with instep-interior at 1/16 inch, while exterior outer top and side surface at 1/16 inch, concluding with the back and side heel strap at 1/16 inch.
 21. A method of model one wherein sole bottom contains four arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachment, spaced evenly ½ inch apart, while protruding 1/16 inch downward to the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device.
 22. A method of model two for retaining women's high heeled and/or fashion footwear of various shapes and sizes within an expanding shoe cover, beginning with none or a small transformation with the capacity of substantial expansion within the shoe cover itself, comprising of; a sole, a toe portion, an upper portion with an inside and exterior side portions, with a non-metallic side-slide zipper at the instep area, located near the inside portion of shoe cover along the ankle area, with an open perforated hole beneath the heel bottom of sole portion with the top of the cover in the ankle area running upward approximately 2 inches above the ankle bone, thus allowing for one continuous integral unit; having an elastic rubber-like material that is extremely pliable for shoe cover elasticity while utilizing this compliant material and allowing for multiple colors and translucence in cold weather environments.
 23. A method of model two of claim 22, having entryway for shoe apparel through side-slide zipper, located at the inside portions of said shoe covers at inside ankle area.
 24. A method of model two of claim 22, wherein said shoe cover having extremely pliable compliant material.
 25. A method of model two of claim 24, wherein said compliant material increases the elasticity of said shoe cover, thereby allowing the shoe cover to stretch simultaneously in a horizontal and vertical direction, thus creating an elongated shape and style.
 26. A method of model two of claim 25, wherein said compliant material vastly increases the pliability of said shoe cover, thus allowing the shoe cover to conform to the original shape of inserted shoe apparel.
 27. A method of model two wherein said shoe cover having an open perforated hole directly beneath the heel bottom of the sole differing in sizes.
 28. A method of model two wherein said shoe cover varies in overall thickness with the sole portion at ⅛ inch, the exterior and side portions at ⅛ inch, the non-metallic slide zipper 3½ inches long—⅛ thick—¼ inch wide, with upper heel and ankle area ⅛ inch thick at 1½ inches above ankle bone, with perforated hole dimensions varying in different sizes.
 29. A method of model two wherein sole bottom contains four arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachment evenly spaced ½ inch apart, while protruding 1/16 inch downward to the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device.
 30. A method of model three for retaining women's casual low-heeled or no-heeled shoe apparel for year-round footwear of various shapes and sizes within an expanding shoe cover, beginning with none or a small transformation with the capacity of substantial expansion within the shoe cover itself, comprising of; a sole, a toe portion, an upper top and outer portions, with a non-metallic zipper located on top of the outer surface portion, an inside portion with a heel portion, thus allowing for one continuous integral unit; having an elastic rubber-like material that is extremely pliable for shoe cover elasticity while utilizing the compliant material allowing for multiple colors and translucence in year-round weather environments.
 31. A method of model three of claim 30, having an entry way for shoe apparel from the top of the shoe cover through non-metallic slide zipper located from behind the toe portion up through the tongue portion.
 32. A method of model three of claim 30, wherein said shoe cover having extremely pliable compliant material.
 33. A method of model three of claim 32, wherein said complaint material increases the elasticity of shoe cover, thereby allowing the shoe cover to stretch simultaneously in a horizontal and vertical direction, thus creating an elongated shape and style.
 34. A method of model three of claim 32, wherein said compliant material vastly increases the pliability of the shoe cover, thus allowing said shoe cover to conform to the original shape of inserted shoe apparel.
 35. A method of model three wherein said shoe cover varies in overall thickness and length with the sole portion being ¼ inch, with exterior top and side portions at 3/16 inch, the non-metallic slide zipper being 4 inches long, ⅛ inch thick, ¼ inch side, with heel portion being 3/16 inches thick.
 36. A method of model three wherein sole bottom contains eight arrow-shaped protruding gripped attachment evenly spaced ½ inch apart, while protruding 1/16 inch downward to the surface of the ground for an anti-slipping device. 